Matthew Lazzarotto’s career as a sports and endurance athlete photographer is the journey of someone with a passion for photography. Matt has taken his photography from inception to world class imagery in a very short period of time. In this interview Matt talks about that evolution from picking up his first DSLR camera to covering endurance and other athletic events and what it has meant to him. Matt’s passion for sports photography and the athletes he covers, whether swimmers, cyclists, rodeo veterans or triathletes shows through in his images.
_____________________________________
MATTHEW LAZZAROTTO
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I’m a Canadian boy, born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia (BC), Canada. I’ve lived in Rossland, BC, for many years. After graduation from high school in 2003, I attended Selkirk Community College for Professional Cook Training. Years later, my sister asked me while I was painting with my niece and nephew, “why I don’t get paid for this”. I then decided to go back to school. This time I enrolled in the Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) Digital Graphic Design program. I actually was put on the waitlist originally, then 2 weeks before classes started I received a letter inviting me to enroll. Happily I did. At the end of the program I graduated one of the top in the class. I even received an award, the Brenda Barber Memorial Award. A few more years later; working as a freelance graphic designer and in-house, as a unionized graphic designer (part-time), I am really focussed on making my photography my profession and career.
What path led you to becoming a photographer?
I have been a little bit obsessed with taking pictures. The first time I used a DSLR, the photo was way out of focus and I thought to myself, sheesh, this isn’t easy. But that was years ago, before I even attended school for Graphic Design. But as our mobile phones evolved and even became smarter – my obsession with photography was starting to grow. Graphic designers are always manipulating and framing photos, this year, in March (2015) I finally purchased, after some much needed research, my first DSLR, a Nikon D3300. From there, I hit the ground running.
Did you always want to be a photographer?
Not quite, my dream job was always to become a police officer. But now, I’m happy with the direction life is going. My following on social media is growing. Every day I am getting more likes and follows, it really helps to keep moving forward when my stuff is appreciated, shared and viewed.
You specialize in sports photography and photographing athletes. How did you develop this area of specialization?
I like sports, but I’m not a jock. I really prefer to be at the event than watching it on a screen. Seriously though, in 2010 I bought my first road bike because my mountain bike (converted for city roaming) wasn’t cutting it anymore. She was a bit chunky and heavy. I miss her dearly, R.I.P. old Norco, “Betsy”. After a summer of riding on my own, I joined a local club where I was living at the time, in Langley, BC, the Fraser Valley Road Cycling Club, riding out of Bicycle Sports Pacific. From there I got involved in the Marketing for the Prospera Valley GranFondo http://www.valleygranfondo.com/; worked with Cycling BC’s iRide program, http://cyclingbc.net/youth/iride-school-program/ – an amazing program for children throughout British Columbia; networking online and in person, and now a new project with VeloFemmes, http://velofemmes.com/ – founded with one purpose: to establish the Women’s Tour as a mechanism to develop women’s cycling in Canada. My love of cycling, wanting to try photography and a knee injury keeping me off the bike has driven me to specialize in what I do.
What is it that attracts you to sports and athletic photography?
My appreciation of the athletics involved, the moments and then finally; the expressions on their faces – some of them are just priceless. When I go through my photos in post processing I sometimes will commentate what could be going on in one’s thoughts or what he or she could be screaming for in desperation. It’s an art, I like to make myself laugh.
Do you have particular event that stands out more for you photographically?
Cycling everything mainly. I’ve done everything except track cycling, so I’m excited for this season. The indoor track in Burnaby, BC, is an indoor 200 metre wooden velodrome. I also photograph big and small events, parties and weddings, mostly unstaged candid shots as they are more my style.
How would you describe your work?
I focus on the moment rather than the production – sometimes my photos are grainy. I think that can add a bit of character. If my photos bring out emotion in people when they see what I’ve created, my job is done.
How has your work evolved over time?
I picked up my first DSLR in March this year, and started taking photos, edited only the ones I thought were good and in my own style. I think my work has evolved only slightly since I’m still very new – I really look forward to my future as a Professional Photographer and hope to up the game of photography.
Can you tell us about how you incorporate photography into your life – both work and play?
I like to think I’m more confident over two wheels than I am on my own two feet. So, getting out to shoot cycling events really is my happy place. Ways that I incorporate photography? Does sleeping with my camera count?
Are there any great stories you can tell us?
At this year’s Gastown Grand Prix held in Downtown Vancouver’s historic Gastown District, I was photographing a criterium stage, along with a few other photog’s when in the middle of a big group of riders a woman crashed (http://images.cyclingtips.com.au/content/uploads/2015/09/pico311.jpg – photo by Stefan Feldmann) and she was lying in the middle of the road (https://instagram.com/p/7BooUVjfO1/?taken-by=mattlazzarotto) After all the other women passed and she yelled out, “isn’t anyone going to help me” – so I did. I didn’t realize my arse was hanging out a bit. She was okay, and I shot the rest of the evening. That was exhilarating. There are many other stories, like my Cloverdale Rodeo experience.
Can you describe your style? Your vision?
It’s all about the moment baby. I want to put myself and audience into the photo, When you look at it I want you to feel and experience everything going on.
How has the business side of your photography work developed?
I’ve only had a couple of paid gigs so far, so there is lots of room to grow. It’s nice to have a secure job so I can get this started. Who knows what tomorrow brings.
What do you think is the key behind your work? Is there something that drives you? Or something that keeps bringing you back?
Just like, “I can’t wait for what tomorrow brings” – the capture of the perfect moment and to see what a different angle can bring. Playing with the lighting and shadows for a different result. No picture is the same and I really like that aspect and the challenge it brings. Challenge brings me back!
What does a typical day at work entail?
Three to five days a week I’m a unionized Graphic Designer. The rest of the time I’m a Professional Photographer. I value my time, so every hour is usually best spent brainstorming, proposing, researching. Come to think of it, I need a holiday. It’s been a while!
Can you list five resources across any media that you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?
Google
Sports Action and Adventure Magazines
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Are there are local or other artists, photographers, bloggers, filmmakers, designers or creative people that inspire you?
Absolutely. I have to thank my family mainly for this one, all of us Lazzarotto’s are very creative in our own ways, and my Nana (father’s mother) really brought that out in us all.
What is your proudest career achievement to date?
Picking up my first DSLR in March….This interview. My photography is taking off in a very cool way.
Your professional portfolio includes black and white and color work. Do you have a preference?
No.
Can you tell us about some of your recent projects?
Last month, I had a great opportunity to work with Glotman Simpson Cycling’s (http://www.glotmansimpsoncycling.ca/) Cypress Challenge (http://www.cypresschallenge.com/). And just recently had the opportunity to work for MultiSportsCanada’s (http://multisportscanada.com/Sites/multisport/) Vancouver Triathlon around Stanley Park.
Weekly I am uploading to my website http://photo.mlazz.com/ – please keep posted there and on my social media
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mlazzphoto;
twitter: https://twitter.com/mattlazzarotto;
instagram: https://instagram.com/mattlazzarotto/.
What do you like about being a sports photographer?
Firstly, the challenges. Secondly, the experiences. I guess the action is okay too ;)
What would you say to those who look to you for inspiration in the sports and endurance athlete photography world?
Thank you very much! Always research how you can do better, meet with and talk to other photog’s, they know more than you do. Network online, go out to the events you are really passionate about and have fun. Don’t be shy, snap a photo, get close. On the other hand know your limits and don’t get in the way. If your ass shows in front of thousands of people, the universe will forgive you.
How does photographing these special athletes inspire you?
The amount of training, dedication and focus that it takes to get to their level – nothing like it.
Do you have any particular favorite places around the world?
I honestly haven’t done much travelling. It’s been a long grind. I’m single and living in one of the most expensive places in the world.
What stands out for you as a must see journey or place for others based on your travels?
I can’t answer this yet.
What would be your dream project?
To work for UCI, World Team Cycling events or a publisher around the world telling photo stories.
Surrey, British Columbia
Surrey, BC, as bad as a wrap it has it’s still has this draw from me. I love it here in Vancouver, BC, but it is just more expensive. Rossland will always have a special place, it’s where I fell in love with the mountains and cycling up hills…
Where do you shop for the tools of your trade?
My favourite place to shop at is a local photography store called Broadway Camera (http://www.bccamera.com/). Two words, shop local, if you can.
Where and what was the last great meal you had in Surrey, British Columbia?
This week; I made risotto, my Papa Nono’s (father’s father’s) recipe.
Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?
If not out at an event, you can find me lounging around getting things done at home.
Where do you go in Surrey, British Columbia to have fun?
I try to keep every activity as fun, so, anywhere I could be having fun!
What is it about Surrey, British Columbia that inspires you to create?
**My hometown is 326 square km’s.
Surrey ‘s best kept secret?
Haha, it’s probably not mine to share!
More Information about Matt:
Website: photo.mlazz.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattlazzarotto/
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mlazzphoto
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattlazzarotto
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mattlazzarotto
Any upcoming events, exhibitions or shows?
Vancouver Cyclocross Coalition’s (http://vcxc.ca/) race series, and am currently booking, my schedule is open!
Related Posts
Horse: Bicycles As Art
10000
Horse: Bicycles As Art Horse Cycles are hand made in Brooklyn, New York by Thomas Callahan. Thomas crafts these beauties taking the time to make the bikes with precision and exact measurements fitted to the owner. He takes into account the colors you like, the style of the bike and…
Essays and Interviews: The Joy of Kite Flying in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro
10000
The Joy of Kite Flying in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro "I think everyone should have wings. But since we don't have wings . . . we fly kites." Quotation from a little boy who flies soltar pipas in the favela. This documentary, Kite Fight, is the result of a…
Happy Bondi's Interview With Mountain White Co.'s Robert Stanwyck
10000
Robert Stanwyck created Mountain White Co., a premier outdoor apparel company with some hard work, inspiration and creativity. In this interview Robert describes the idea behind the design and colors of his duffles and backpacks: Both backpacks and duffles are inspired by great people and achievements. The blue/red/blue is inspired…
Art, Bicycles and Movement from the Czech Republic
10000
Art, Bicycles and Movement from the Czech Republic Czech Republic based bicycle frame builder Festka has created custom made bicycles for the last four years. Recently though they teamed up with Prague artists Tomski (Lukas Tomek) and Polanski (LLona Polanska) to create the Festka Artist Collection. The result is a…
Interview With Ian W. Thomson, Director of Award Winning Surf Film, Out In The Line Up
10000
Interview With Ian Thomson, Director of Award Winning Surf Film, Out In The Line Up Speaking with Director Ian Thomson in Sydney, Australia shortly after the screening of his film Out in the Line Up at the San Diego Film Festival, in California last week, I was struck by…